Podcast
OT JEDI
Hosted by Suzanne Rappaport · EN
OT JEDI recognizes the present social injustices and racism that still exist within our nation, and embrace the rich perspectives and experiences that arise from racial, ethnic, socio-economic, sexual, gender and religious diversity within our health care community.The goal of OT JEDI is to empower our listeners in order to recognize barriers with our occupational therapy experiences that may be caused by social injustice, inequality, and racial trauma. We are committed to building opportunities for learning, growth, and accountability.
11episodes
Episodes
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Caribbean Perspectives on Occupational Therapy
3w ago01:13:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of OT JEDI, Dr. Suzanne Rappaport interviews Blaine Robin for a powerful conversation on culture, identity, and the future of occupational therapy. Centered around his work on Caribbean Perspectives on Occupational Therapy in the United Kingdom, this discussion challenges dominant narratives in the profession and amplifies voices that have too often been overlooked.Dr. Robin shares how his lived experiences shape his approach to practice, education, and scholarship—and why it’s critical for occupational therapy to move beyond surface-level “cultural competence” toward deeper, more meaningful change. Together, we explore social determinants of health, representation in OT, and what it really means to decolonize practice.This episode is a must-listen for clinicians, educators, and students who are ready to push beyond the status quo and engage in more culturally grounded, socially responsive care.ReferencesGarcia, L., & Robin, B. (2025a). Caribbean perspectives of occupation. RCOT. OT News.Ocloo, J., Surendran, S., Robin, B., Noel, L., Gibson, J., & Dawson, S. (2025). Inequitably harmed: A scoping review protocol on patient safety and diverse population groups. BMJ Open, 15(12), e108797. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-108797Robin, B. (2010). Exploring illness and social care management: Comparing consumer perspectives of suffering and the challenges faced by service providers (Unpublished PhD thesis). https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/6368/Robin, B. (2022). Developing inclusive cultures in occupational therapy. https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/blogs/school-of-health/2022/09/developing-inclusive-cultures-in-occupational-therapy/Robin, B. (2023). Efforts to redress the imbalance of educational attainment: Case study Leeds. RCOT. OT News.Robin, B. (2023). Hearing from occupational therapists of Caribbean heritage – commemorating Windrush Day. https://www.rcot.co.uk/news/hearing-occupational-therapists-caribbean-heritage-commemorating-windrush-dayRobin, B. (2023). The importance of cultural competence for occupational therapists. RCOT. OT News.Robin, B., & Cogavin, D. (2023). Becoming a councillor [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Vu86m0EFbARobin, B., & Ibrahiim, K. (2023). 75th anniversary of Windrush guest editorial. RCOT. OT News.Robin, B., & Richardson, O. (2023). The importance of cultural competence for occupational therapists. RCOT. OT News.Robin, B., & Tongai, C. (2023). Enacting occupational justice in dual roles as an occupational therapist and local politician: Advocacy at the margins [Video playlist]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=FLUJq-hb7DdJ0YLPHgPm322wRobin, B. (2024a). The inner strength of excellence that unlocks our potential. RCOT. OT News.Robin, B. (2024b). Avoiding past histories from being forgotten. RCOT. OT News.Robin, B. (2025a). Dealing with racism in the groove of life. RCOT. OT News.Tinarwo, C., & Robin, B. (2025). Exploring occupational justice for Black university students in the United Kingdom: A scoping review. The Human Occupation & Wellbeing Journal, 1(2). https://howj.org/index.php/howj/article/view/44
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Advancing Sexual & Gender Minority Education for Faculty, Clinicians, & Staff
Feb 100:56:52Tap to summarizeHow do educators move beyond one-time DEI trainings toward lasting change? In this episode, Audrey L. Zapletal and Karla A. Bell share lessons learned from a longitudinal professional development program focused on sexual and gender minority education. The discussion highlights data-driven outcomes, discomfort as part of learning, and sustainable faculty development.ReferencesMcCoy, M. A., Levett-Jones, T., & Pitt, V. (2013). Development and psychometric testing of the Ascent to Competence Scale. Nurse education today, 33(1), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2011.11.003Zapletal, A. L., Bell, K. A., Sanchez, A., Tobia, J., & Hunnicutt, M. (2024). LGBTQ+ inclusion: A pilot interdisciplinary professional development program for faculty, clinicians, and administrators in higher education. Innovative Higher Education, 49(3), 495–518. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-023-09683-4 ResourcesJefferson Pride Care - Professional Development Program For SG-MET | Jefferson HealthThe Gender Unicorn
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Occupational Therapy in Academic Services: Enhancing Student Success in Higher Ed.
Nov 500:14:04Tap to summarizeCollege students today are navigating record levels of anxiety, burnout, and executive function challenges — and traditional academic support services have an increase in demand. In this episode, we explore how occupational therapists can play a critical role in fostering student success, resilience, and belonging on campus. Tune in to learn why higher education needs OT now more than ever.ReferenesBarbayannis, G., Bandari, M., Zheng, X., Baquerizo, H., Pecor, K. W., & Ming, X. (2022). Academic stress and mental well-being in college students: Correlations, affected groups, and COVID-19. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 886344. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.886344Córdova Olivera, P., Gasser Gordillo, P., Naranjo Mejía, H., La Fuente Taborga, I., Grajeda Chacón, A., & Sanjinés Unzueta, A. (2023). Academic stress as a predictor of mental health in university students. Cogent Education, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2232686Molin, F., Rohlfs, M., & Christian, J. (2022). A conceptual framework to understand learning through metacognition: Identifying relationships between factors that influence students’ self-regulated learning. Heliyon, 8(11), e12003. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12003Wang, Y., Wang, X., Wang, X., Guo, X., Yuan, L., Gao, Y., & Pan, B. (2023). Stressors in university life and anxiety symptoms among international students: A sequential mediation model. BMC Psychiatry, 23, Article 556. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05046-7
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State-Level Occupational Therapy Advocacy
Oct 100:38:27Tap to summarizeFor the season four opener, OT JEDI looks at state-level advocacy in occupational therapy with special guest Beth Chiariello, President of the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) and Chair of the OT Department at Touro University.Beth shares her insights on how legislation and policy shape everyday OT practice, why staying informed at the state level is essential, and how NYSOTA supports practitioners and students through advocacy, education, and professional development. From recent legislative wins to common misconceptions about state laws, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.We also explore the value of NYSOTA membership, the importance of being involved in shaping policy, and what the future holds for OT in New York. Plus, hear about NYSOTA’s annual conference and educational offerings that help keep the profession thriving.For more information on and to join the New York State Occupational Therapy Association, go to https://www.nysota.org/
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Let’s Talk about Sexual Health Literacy and Occupational Therapy
May 8, 202500:33:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of OT JEDI, we explore a critical but often overlooked topic—sexual health literacy among older adults living with HIV. Joined by occupational therapists Riley David and Dr. Kathryn Burke, we dive into their pilot study evaluating occupation-based sexual health education programs. We discuss how knowledge, stigma, fear, and pleasure intersect in the lives of older adults, and how occupational therapy can play a key role in fostering safe, empowered, and fulfilling intimate experiences.ResourcesThe Network for LGBTQIA+ Concerns in Occupational Therapy | Queer HealthThe Capstone CollectiveFollow Dr. Burke on Instagram @otkate or find her at Johnson & Wales UniversityReferences David, R. & Burke, K. (2025, April 5). Evaluating the effectiveness ofoccupation-based programming on the sexual health literacy of older adults living with HIV [Poster session]. American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Inspire, Philadelphia, PA. https://tinyurl.com/y96srmd4
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Occupational Therapy in the Age of AI
Apr 1, 202500:36:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode, our guest, Karen Jacobs, explores the role of AI in occupational therapy—from streamlining documentation and facilitating communication through translation to addressing health disparities while considering ethical implications. She discusses AI’s potential in assessment, intervention, client engagement, and its ability to make OT education more equitable.ReferenesAlowais, S. A., Alghamdi, S. S., Alsuhebany, N., & et al. (2023). Revolutionizing healthcare: The role of artificial intelligence in clinical practice. BMC Medical Education, 23, 689. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04698-zÇela, E., Fonkam, M. M., & Potluri, R. M. (2024). Risks of AI-Assisted Learning on Student Critical Thinking: A Case Study of Albania. International Journal of Risk and Contingency Management (IJRCM), 12(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJRCM.350185Gandhi, T. K., Classen, D., Sinsky, C. A., Rhew, D. C., Vande Garde, N., Roberts, A., & Federico, F. (2023). How can artificial intelligence decrease cognitive and work burden for frontline practitioners? JAMIA Open, 6(3), ooad079. https://doi.org/10.1093/jamiaopen/ooad079Mansour, T., & Wong, J. (2024). Enhancing fieldwork readiness in occupational therapy students with generative AI. Frontiers in medicine, 11, 1485325. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1485325Montenegro-Rueda, M., Fernández-Cerero, J., Fernández-Batanero, J. M., & López-Meneses, E. (2023). Impact of the Implementation of ChatGPT in Education: A Systematic Review. Computers, 12(8), 153. https://doi.org/10.3390/computers12080153 Nilsen, P., Sundemo, D., Heintz, F., Neher, M., Nygren, J., Svedberg, P., & Petersson, L. (2024). Towards evidence-based practice 2.0: Leveraging artificial intelligence in healthcare. Frontiers in Health Services, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/frhs.2024.1368030Vahedifard, F., Sadeghniiat Haghighi, A., Dave, T., Tolouei, M., & Hoshyar Zare, F. (2023). Practical use of ChatGPT in psychiatry for treatment plan and psychoeducation. arXiv preprint arXiv:2311.09131. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2311.09131Zhai, C., Wibowo, S., & Li, L. D. (2024). The effects of over-reliance on AI dialogue systems on students' cognitive abilities: A systematic review. Smart Learning Environments, 11, 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00316-7
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Empowering Pelvic Health Through Occupational Therapy
Mar 2, 202500:40:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Laura Rowan, an occupational therapist and founder of Essential Pelvic Health, a private practice specializing in pelvic health. She shares her journey into this specialization, the unique needs of clients who benefit from pelvic health services, and the crucial role of advocacy and education in expanding awareness and access to care.ResourcesEssential Pelvic HealthReferenesAlappattu, M., Hilton, S., & Bishop, M. (2019). An International Survey of Commonly Used Interventions for Management of Pelvic Pain. Journal of women's health physical therapy, 43(2), 82–88. https://doi.org/10.1097/jwh.0000000000000131Alden, J., Sanses, T., Pearson, S., Ukaegbu, A., Gopaul, S., & Hill, L. (2020). Women’s pelvic floor and urinary incontinence (UI) health literacy: A mixed-methods study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(4, Suppl. 1), 7411510314p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S1-PO7408Fyhrie, J., Schmid, A., Le Fevre, E., Weaver, J., & Fruhauf, C. A. (2024). OTs’ perspectives on their unique role in pelvic health. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78(Suppl. 2), 7811500263p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.78S2-PO263Schmitz, J. R., Schoener, H., Atler, K., Fruhauf, C. A., Pearce, D., Schmid, A., & Mathias, K. (2023). Women’s experience receiving OT for pelvic floor dysfunction: A case series. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(Suppl. 2), 7711510310p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.77S2-PO310Watts, C. (2024). Barriers & supports to occupational therapists working in pelvic health across three healthcare delivery systems: Outpatient, hospitals, and home health (Publication No. 36964687). Georgia State University. https://doi.org/10.57709/36964687
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Policy Power: How OTPs Can Influence Healthcare Systems
Feb 1, 202500:56:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode of OT JEDI, we sit down with Clarice Grote, occupational therapist, advocate, and founder of Amplify OT, to explore the critical intersection of occupational therapy and healthcare policy. Clarice shares her journey from Columbia University to Capitol Hill, detailing how her experiences shaped her passion for advocacy, equity, and policy-driven change.We discuss how Medicare and healthcare policies impact OT practice, reimbursement, and access to care, and Clarice breaks down these complex systems into actionable strategies for OTs. She offers insights on how OTs can become effective advocates, address healthcare inequities, and use policy as a tool for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to expand your impact, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways to help bridge the gap between policy and practice.Listen for an inspiring discussion on how OTs can amplify their voices, navigate healthcare policy with confidence, and drive meaningful change in the profession.ResourcesThe OT Amplifier Collective - Amplifyot.com/membershipAOTA’s advocacy page - AOTA.org/advocacyHere is where you can contact your legislators - AOTA.org/takeaction The Amplify OT Podcast podcast - podcast.amplifyot.com
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Occupational Therapy's Role in Gender Affirming Care
Jan 1, 202500:42:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode on the OT JEDI Podcast, I'm thrilled to welcome Sarah Vines, who shares her incredible work supporting individuals after top surgery. Sarah discusses best practices for gender-affirming care, the critical role of mental health in the process, and how occupational therapy can make a difference in the lives of transgender clients.ResourcesWPATH Standards 8: https://www.wpath.org/media/cms/Documents/SOC%20v7/SOC%20V7_English.pdfA Clinician's Guide to Gender-Affirming Care: https://www.newharbinger.com/9781684030521/a-clinicians-guide-to-gender-affirming-care/An introductory resource created by Dr. Sarah Vines is available on COTAD's site: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/606b6cc4347e673687921b0e/t/64f0d99a66448a49ac21e769/1693505950408/COTAD+Practicum+Project+%284%29.pdfACLU Legislative updates: https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights-2024HRC state legislative map: https://www.hrc.org/resources/attacks-on-gender-affirming-care-by-state-mapTrevor Project 2024 stats: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2024/References De Brouwer, I., Elaut, E., Becker-Hebly, I., Heylens, G., Nieder, T. O., van de Grift, T. C., & Kreukels, B. P. C. (2021). Aftercare needs following gender-affirming surgeries: Findings from the ENIGI multicenter European follow-up study. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 18(11), 1921–1932. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.08.005Kcomt, L., Gorey, K. M., Barrett, B. J., & McCabe, S. E. (2020). Healthcare avoidance due to anticipated discrimination among transgender people: A call to create trans-affirmative environments. SSM - Population Health, 11, 100608–100608. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.ssmph.2020.100608Grant, J. M., Mottet, L. A., Tanis, J. J., & Min, D. (2011). Transgender discrimination survey. National Center for Transgender Equality and National Gay and Lesbian Task Force: Washington, DC, USA.Mikulak, M., Ryan, S., Ma, R., Martin, S., Stewart, J., Davidson, S., & Stepney, M. (2021). Health professionals' identified barriers to trans health care: a qualitative interview study. British Journal of General Practice, 71(713), e941–e947. https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2021.0179Rosol, M., Rogers, K., Borsh, R., Pavlinec, R., Russell, M., & Russell, A. N. (2022). Occupational therapy students’ perceived preparedness to work with transgender clients. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2022.060302Stroumsa, D. (2014). The state of transgender health care: Policy, law, and medical frameworks. American Journal of Public Health, 104(3). https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2013.30178Swenson, R., Alldred, P., & Nicholls, L. (2022). Doing gender and being gendered through occupation: Transgender and non-binary experiences. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 85(6), 446-452. https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226211034422
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What Do We Owe Each Other in Occupational Therapy?
Dec 2, 202401:03:05Tap to summarizeLast season in episode 5, we explored the history of Black occupational therapists with guest speaker Toni Solaru. She spoke of systemic barriers in legal, governmental, and educational contexts. Highlights included Lela A. Llorens' 1969 Slagle Lecture, the only one by a person of color, and discussions on initiatives like AOTA's 1988 minority recruitment study, the founding of COTAD and BLM in the 2010s, and the addition of DEI as a pillar in Vision 2025. Despite these efforts, AOTA's inconsistent support for BIPOC and individuals with disabilities remains a concern. The discussion also addressed the lack of education on BIPOC history in OT and whether it’s fair to expect BIPOC faculty to take on this responsibility. Lastly, we critiqued how many JEDI and DEI initiatives have been performative and noted their decline in prominence by 2024.We reconnect with Dr. Solaru to discuss the impactful work of Diverse OT National and the programs they support. She also highlights key initiatives such as Disrupt OT and the Unconference, emphasizing actionable steps and the importance of staying vigilant and informed in advancing equity within the profession.References and Resourceshttps://www.blackbeyondthebinarycollective.org/https://us.jkp.com/products/occupational-therapy-disruptorshttps://givebutter.com/DiverseOThttps://www.commonnotions.org/everything-for-everyone?srsltid=AfmBOorVhJCZeHS2ze5KDe5XBWjfCZZx5xWQHXsl9VUunnUdt3oU88RiInterested in joining the book club?Reading for the Revolution, first meeting is January 22, 2025 from 6-8:30 PM CST, 2.5 CE/PDUs credits available. FREE event. Advocacy in Action #1: Where Are All the Black OTs? The first meeting is February 1, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST. Four CEs/PDUs are available. A $50 suggested donation is suggested. Use code ACCESS4ALL for free registration. All funds go to supporting DOT operations. What We Owe Each Other - References Davis, A. Y. (2022). Freedom is a constant struggle (F. Barat, Ed.). Penguin Books Ltd.Gates, H.L. (2016, Nov 9). Black America since MLK: And still I rise, black panthers [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_E8O8rlnoo&list=PL8DMaz5ynUE269cN892SpNPiBSESfbd70&index=12&ab_channel=HenryLouisGates%2CJr.hooks, b. (2018). All About Love: New Visions . HarperCollins.King, M. L., Jr. (2018). Letter from Birmingham Jail. Penguin Classics.Peck M. S. (1998). The different drum : community making and peace (2nd Touchstone). Simon and Schuster.TRT. (2021, Jun 16). Deep dive: A history of Black-Palestinian solidarity [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAl5YrNQHWs&ab_channel=TRTWorld
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